15+ Homemade Mac And Cheese Recipe For Thanksgiving Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
If you're looking for the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, look no further than a homemade mac and cheese recipe. This classic comfort food is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will leave your guests wanting more. Not only is it easy to make, but it can also be customized with different cheeses and toppings to suit your taste preferences. Follow this simple recipe and impress your friends and family this Thanksgiving with a delicious homemade mac and cheese dish.
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Vegetable Oil, Macaroni, Milk, Unsalted
Nothing beats a classic, and when it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese is at the top of the list. This creamy, cheesy dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason. The combination of tender macaroni noodles and gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible. While there are many variations of this beloved dish, we've rounded up the top 20 mac and cheese recipes for you to try.
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Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Cheese, Butter, Milk, Paprika, Mustard
There's something special about homemade macaroni and cheese. It's not just about the taste, but also the love and care that goes into making it from scratch. This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and gruyere cheese for a rich and flavorful dish. Plus, it's topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping for an extra crunch.
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Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Egg, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk
If you're looking for a classic, no-fuss mac and cheese recipe, then look no further. This recipe uses simple ingredients like elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and milk to create a creamy and delicious dish. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a side dish for a potluck or BBQ.
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Creamy Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Flour, Skim Milk, Nutmeg, Mustard, Salt
This southern-style mac and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It's made with a combination of cheddar and American cheese for a super creamy and indulgent dish. Plus, it's topped with a buttery cracker crumb topping for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
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Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Cheeses, Shredded Parmesan, Velveeta, Milk
If you're short on time, but still want to enjoy a delicious mac and cheese, then this crock pot recipe is perfect for you. Simply dump all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. The result is a creamy and cheesy mac and cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Three Cheese Mac and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Spices
Why use just one type of cheese when you can use three? This three cheese mac and cheese recipe combines the flavors of cheddar, parmesan, and fontina for a well-rounded and delicious dish. Plus, it's topped with a buttery breadcrumb topping for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
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Uncooked Macaroni Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Milk, Salt, Dry Mustard, Black Pepper, Garlic
Another crock pot recipe, this uncooked macaroni crock pot mac and cheese is perfect for those days when you don't want to deal with boiling water and cooking pasta. Simply add uncooked macaroni to your slow cooker along with the other ingredients and let it cook to perfection. Easy and delicious.
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French Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Garlic, Butter, Creme Fraiche, Gruyere
Take your mac and cheese to a whole new level with this French-inspired recipe. It uses a combination of gruyere and comte cheese for a rich and nutty flavor. Plus, it's topped with a layer of breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. Serve with a glass of red wine for a truly indulgent meal.
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The Best Mac and Cheese (with healthy variations) +...
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Egg, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk
If you're looking for a healthier version of mac and cheese, then this recipe is for you. It uses whole wheat pasta and a combination of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt to create a creamy and flavorful dish. Plus, it includes variations for adding veggies like broccoli or spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
This southern-style baked mac and cheese recipe is a true comfort food. It uses a combination of cheddar and monterey jack cheese for a creamy and flavorful dish. Plus, it's topped with a layer of buttery breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Another classic southern-style mac and cheese recipe, this one is made with a combination of cheddar and Velveeta cheese for a super creamy and indulgent dish. It's perfect for a special occasion or when you just need some comfort food in your life.
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Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Velveeta R Cheese, Butter, Milk, Cream, Salt, Pepper
If you prefer to bake your mac and cheese in the oven instead of on the stovetop, then this recipe is for you. It uses a combination of cheddar and gouda cheese for a rich and flavorful dish. Plus, it's topped with a layer of panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish.
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Perfect Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk
As the name suggests, this recipe promises a perfectly creamy mac and cheese every time. It uses a combination of cheddar and gruyere cheese for a rich and flavorful dish. Plus, it includes a secret ingredient – cream cheese – for an extra creamy and indulgent texture.
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Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Flour, Salt, Pepper, Margarine, Shredded
This baked mac and cheese recipe is a staple in many households. It's simple, yet delicious, and can be easily customized to your liking. Add in some bacon or veggies for an extra twist, or keep it classic with just cheese and pasta. Either way, this recipe is sure to please.
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MY MOTHER'S GOULASH
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper, Tomatoes
This goulash-inspired mac and cheese recipe is a unique twist on the classic dish. It combines the flavors of traditional goulash – like ground beef, tomatoes, and paprika – with creamy mac and cheese. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that will have your taste buds dancing.
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Hamburger and Macaroni Casserole
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Celery, Macaroni, Tomatoes
This hamburger and macaroni casserole is a kid-friendly dish that the whole family will love. It's a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, it's made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Butter, Flour, Milk, Light Cream, Mustard
If you're a fan of casseroles, then you'll love this creamy macaroni and cheese casserole. It's made with a combination of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Plus, it's topped with a layer of crunchy onion rings for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
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Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni Pasta, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Salted
Another crock pot recipe, this slow cooker mac and cheese is perfect for those days when you want a warm and comforting meal without all the fuss. It uses a combination of cheddar and cream cheese for a creamy and indulgent dish. Plus, it's topped with a layer of crispy bacon for an extra punch of flavor.
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Cream Cheese Mac & Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Butter, Flour, Whole Milk, Water, Cheese
This cream cheese mac and cheese recipe is a game-changer. The addition of cream cheese makes the dish extra creamy and indulgent. Plus, it's topped with a layer of buttery Ritz crackers for an extra crunch. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Insanely Cheesy And Creamy Mac & Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese
If you're a cheese lover, then this insanely cheesy and creamy mac and cheese recipe is for you. It uses a combination of cheddar, gouda, and parmesan cheese for a super indulgent and flavorful dish. Plus, it's topped with a layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
Making the Perfect Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of butter
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
2 cups of milk
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
To start, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Next, add in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese, stirring until they are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The cheese sauce should be thick and creamy, perfect for coating the macaroni noodles.
Choosing the Right Noodles
When it comes to mac and cheese, the type of noodles you use can make all the difference. While traditional elbow macaroni is a popular choice, you can also switch it up with different shapes such as shells, spirals, or even cavatappi. Opt for a pasta that has ridges or crevices to help hold onto the cheese sauce.
Cooking the Noodles
Once you've chosen your noodles, cook them in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Be sure to keep them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
Baking the Mac and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce, stirring until the noodles are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with any additional toppings such as breadcrumbs, bacon, or diced tomatoes.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. Your homemade mac and cheese is now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious side dish on your Thanksgiving table.
Now that you have the perfect homemade mac and cheese recipe, you can add it to your list of go-to dishes for any holiday or gathering. Experiment with different types of cheese and toppings to make it your own. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.